DE10224531A1 - Device for producing combustible gas mixture made from carbon-containing starting material, especially pieces of wood, comprises starting material supply unit arranged in horizontal direction laterally on reactor - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for producing a combustible gas mixture made from a carbon-containing starting material, especially pieces of wood, comprises a supply unit (2) for introducing the starting material to a reactor (1). The reactor comprises an oxidation zone (10) for oxidizing the starting material and a reduction zone (11) for reducing an intermediate product of the oxidation. The supply unit is arranged in the horizontal direction laterally on the reactor and comprises a storage unit (4) for the intermediate storage of the starting material. Independent claims are also included for the following: (i) a device for producing electrical and/or heat energy using the above device; and (ii) the production of a combustible gas mixture. Preferred Features: The storage unit is arranged between a feed opening of the reactor and a closing element (6) of the supply unit to open and close the device. The device further comprises a filling level sensor (15) for measuring the degree of filling and/or filling level of the reactor. The supply unit has a transporting unit (7) for transporting the starting material from the storage unit to the reactor.

Description

The invention relates to a device for generating a flammable gas mixture from a carbonaceous Starting material, especially from lumpy wood, according to Preamble of claim 1.

State of the art

Wood carburettors have been used for the engine for decades Combustion in use. For example, the descending carburetor system developed in direct current, the so-called "Imbert wood gas plant". Corresponding plants have already been used together with gas engines for example in the first half of the 20th century Tractors, cars, motorcycles or power plants for power, Electricity and / or heat generation installed. In addition, z. B. also rising carburettors in counterflow and Cross flow carburetor in use.

The "Imbert-Holzgas-Anlage" or comparable devices work in direct current, especially lumpy wood is fed to the reactor of the gas generator. Specific, Generic gas generators are for example in the Publications DE 198 30 069 A1, DE 196 43 109 A1 or EP 137 461 A2 discloses.  

The wood is generally in a first stage thermally decomposed into different components. This takes place mainly in the reactor in a range of appropriately arranged air nozzles or the like by means of substoichiometric combustion or oxidation, where Heat is released and temperatures of several hundred Degrees, e.g. B. about 800 ° C can be achieved. By ascending The wood in the upper part of the reactor becomes partially warm pre-dried.

In the oxidation zone, among other things, carbonized wood or coal, water and other combustion products are formed which have both combustible gas components and non-combustible gaseous intermediate products, such as, for example, B. carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ).

The carbonized wood or the coal produced moves in the Generally from the oxidation zone down into one Reduction zone further and thereby reduces part of the Combustion products for other combustible gas components. For example, carbon dioxide is generated by means of coal and the like. a. to Additional carbon monoxide is reduced, making it a relative high proportion of carbon monoxide in the generated combustible gas mixture can be achieved. The flammable Gas mixture has above all as combustible components Carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane.

The volume of the wood becomes strong when coking reduced, so that to form a comparatively compact reduction zone a constriction of the reactor in the Transition area of the oxidation zone to the reduction zone is to be provided. This constriction is often done by means of Firebricks, steel elements or the like. The compact reduction zone advantageously enables a Reduction of the gas flow and at least partially one  Filtration of solid components of the combustion products the oxidation zone.

The combustible gas mixture that is generated becomes from the reduction zone especially to a gas engine, gas storage or the like derived or sucked. With the help of a movable grate coal dust or excess ash from separated from the coal.

In the case of wood gasifiers according to the prior art, under certain operating conditions, especially when used of lignin-containing biomass such as wood from spruce, fir or the like and / or with a supply of so-called "False air", the gasification will be affected.

The disadvantage here is that the quality of the generated gas mixture reduced and moreover tar or tar gas is formed. The relatively hot, gaseous If necessary, tar condenses on mechanically movable ones Share, in particular a feed unit for feeding the Wood in the reactor, whereby these are covered with tar and a severe impairment of functioning or a The corresponding parts become stuck.

The wood is generally fed above the Oxidation zone. According to the prior art Feed unit, with or without lock device, above of the reactor arranged so that the feed by opening a flap, a slide, a paddle wheel or the like. However, this becomes disadvantageous "False air" introduced into the reactor, which is the gasification of the wood severely affected.

The so-called "false air" is generally used in the Feeding the wood gasifier introduced. For these reasons is a wood gasifier according to the prior art  continuous or automatic loading only limited possible or is a frequent and expensive Removal of tar from particularly stuck parts of the Feed unit necessary. If necessary, the corresponding parts are replaced.

In addition, the use is economical inexpensive and particularly environmentally friendly residual wood or Waste wood such as B. wood chips, bark, sawdust, Sawmill by-products or the like from which wood processing area and / or forestry the possible tar formation is severely restricted.

In addition, the comparatively low quality of the Gas mixture the gas engine downstream of the wood gasifier impaired or by relatively high tar contents in the Gas mixture destroyed. The gas engine can, for example, for a Vehicle, to generate heat, u. a. by means of a corresponding generator for generating electricity and / or Heat and / or the like can be used. For that should the tar content in the wood gas is less than about 50 milligrams each Cubic meters included, otherwise the valve's residues Cover or glue the gas engine. The result is that this then block and stop the engine. Out For these reasons, gas washing is often carried out Cyclone separators, filters or the like the gas engine upstream.

Object and advantages of the invention

In contrast, the object of the invention is a device to generate a combustible gas mixture from a carbon-containing starting material, in particular from lumpy Wood, with a feed unit for feeding the raw material to an oxidation zone of a reactor for the oxidation of the  To propose the use of any softwood and / or hardwood, such as B. maple, Beech, alder, spruce or fir wood, and one continuous or automatic loading enables and at the same time high operational reliability with high Quality of the combustible gas mixture guaranteed.

This task is based on a device of type mentioned in the introduction, by the characteristic features of claim 1 solved.

By the measures mentioned in the subclaims advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention possible.

Accordingly, one according to the invention is distinguished Device characterized in that the feed unit in horizontal direction is arranged laterally on the reactor and the feed unit has at least one storage device for Intermediate storage of the starting material includes.

The storage device can be next to the reactor, which is also Starting material stores, as a second storage unit device according to the invention can be used. With this Measure enables the supply of the starting material to the device according to the invention with the supply of Starting material are advantageously decoupled from the reactor can. For example, a largely continuous one Feed of the starting material to the reactor and a optionally discontinuous, d. H. only temporarily, especially relatively short-term supply of the starting material for the device according to the invention.

The largely continuous supply of the starting material to Reactor enables advantageous gasification of the Starting material or wood, so that high quality  Gas mixture can be generated. The discontinuous, especially comparatively short-term supply of Starting material for the device according to the invention enables a large reduction in the quantity of "false air" the loading of the device. The storage device is advantageously towards the reactor in general gas permeable and largely for loading designed to be gas-impermeable and closable.

The device according to the invention is loaded in the Generally, as in the prior art, using one of the Pressure and reaction conditions of the reactor largely independent and not gas-tight especially to the environment closed or "open" storage or silo, day bunker or the like, d. H. a third storage device.

In addition, the one arranged in the storage device forms Starting material a certain barrier, especially for entering or inflowing "false air", so that this only get into the reactor with a delay and the gasification largely cannot affect.

In addition, an at least partially filled Storage device for any generated Tar or the like a certain filter function. Corresponding tar, etc. is among other things on the Starting material or lumpy wood or the like attached, so that the tar advantageously a Closing device for opening or largely gas-tight Closing the device according to the invention, in particular moving elements of this, can not affect. The Tar preferably comes together with the starting material back into the reactor, being implemented accordingly can be.

Especially with the one in the horizontal direction on the side of the reactor  arranged supply unit with the storage device can the feed unit or parts of it by, if necessary produced tar are not affected by that relatively hot tar gases rising in the reactor advantageously on the lid area or the like condensed and possibly discharged or preferably in the reaction zones are recycled for energy recovery become. The lid area of the Reactor without mechanically movable elements or the like educated.

For certain measures such as maintenance, repair, conversion or The like can be a reclosable reactor or a Cover element are provided, which in particular largely is sealed gas-tight, so that this does not result in any disadvantage "False air" can get into the reactor.

The tar is preferably used again in the reactor for forming the or the reaction zones supplied, so that in the tar contained energy from the device according to the invention is usable. This will increase the overall efficiency of the device according to the invention significantly increased.

For these reasons, the reliability is relatively high advantageously a largely continuous and / or automatic operation of the invention Device realizable. This makes a preferred economical use of the device according to the invention in power plants for the generation of electrical energy or in Combined heat and power plants, vehicles or the like even under high operational and environmentally relevant Requirements for corresponding systems possible.

According to the invention, without affecting the Operation of the feed unit and / or without relative frequent or expensive maintenance of the feed unit, a  Use of any carbon-containing starting materials, especially renewable biomass or any kind of wood allows. For example, softwood and / or hardwood as wood chips, sawdust and / or pellet, other renewable Raw materials such as straw and sewage sludge or the like or appropriate mixtures are used. The use of guaranteed waste or residual wood a particularly economical and environmentally friendly Operation of the device according to the invention.

In the prior art, the starting material generally falls in free fall on the oxidation zone, creating a certain Compression of the starting material in the area of the oxidation zone is produced. The lateral arrangement of the feed unit according to the invention advantageously requires a lateral Introduction of the starting material in the area of Oxidation zone, so that a largely loose layering the starting material or the wood is reached in the reactor, especially in the oxidation zone. This will be a advantageous automatic advancement of the starting material in or from the oxidation zone and optionally into the reduction zone located below ensures what a so-called "hollow burning" of the reactor effectively can prevent.

In addition, this may lead to lateral advancement the starting material to a certain movement or Rummaging through the starting material in the area of Oxidation zone, which further improves gasification or "hollow burning" is prevented.

In addition, the lateral supply of the Starting material in the reactor one from the starting material formed thermal insulation layer over the particularly hot Section of the oxidation zone can be realized, whereby in advantageously dissipating rising heat  can be reduced from the oxidation zone. This ensures above all an advantageous oxidation of the Starting material.

The storage device is advantageously between one Feed opening of the reactor and a closure element of the Feed unit to open or largely arranged gas-tight closure of the device. Especially due to the advantages of the memory device can with this Measure on a closure device on the reactor or a Closing the feed opening of the reactor or the like to be dispensed with. The closure element ensures that Feed to the device according to the invention and is also not to be arranged in the area of hot tar gases, so that if necessary Tar advantageously before moving Closure element is condensed or deposited.

For example, the closure element is designed as a rotatable or pivotable flap or the like. Preferably the closure element is designed as a slide, the under the almost gas-tight by means of an eccentric element Closing the loading opening of the invention Device guaranteed. This increases operational security the device.

Generally, according to the invention, an advantageous open and direct feed of the raw material or wood into the Reactor are provided. A closing or the like between the reactor and the feed unit can be in advantageously omitted. Accordingly, neither can corresponding movable necessary for locking Element by tar possibly formed in the reactor its function may be impaired or destroyed. According to the invention can be a device without movable elements or components of the feed unit in the relatively hot area the device according to the invention can be realized so that  Tar gas cannot affect this. These measures increase the operational safety of the device according to the invention.

Furthermore, in a device according to the preamble of Claim 1 advantageously at least one Level sensor for measuring or determining the Degree of filling or the level of the reactor to be provided. The level sensor can, for example, be partially mechanical, optical, radar, infrared, ultrasonic, Sensor and / or the like are formed. Especially due to the lateral arrangement of the feed unit is in a comparatively simple way the level mechanically sensing sensor realizable.

For example, the sensor at least partially rotatably mounted and / or deformable impact element, for. B. a baffle, or level flag, against which the Starting material is moved or transported and / or that arranged or rests on the oxidation zone. By the The sensor element advantageously becomes the starting material of any deposits or the like cleaned what to improve the operational safety of the Device can lead.

Advantageously, at least the shaft or axis of the Sensor by means of a protective element, for. B. one Condensation element or a tar bell or the like, from impairments such as the deposition of contaminants, mechanical damage, etc. protected. possibly is the rotatably mounted element on a lever arm or the like arranged. For example, that Protective element an opening z. B. in the form of a slot, in which the lever arm is arranged.

Caused by the change in the level  Change in position and / or angular deflection of the particular Among other things, the sensor acts in a rotatably mounted element with an electrical switching element and an electronic Control unit together. This allows the Lowering of the starting material or wood in the reactor a predetermined threshold, this may be signals a refill of the reactor, if necessary by means of a transport, sliding device or the like, initiated or initiated. This is especially for an almost automatic operation of the invention Device advantageous.

Preferably, a control or regulating unit is almost fully automatic control or regulation of the device provided according to the invention. This enables in particular a controlled and dosed supply of Starting material, among other things in cooperation with the Level sensor of the reactor. For example, a largely constant fill level in the reactor. If necessary, the air supply to the reactor can be regulated or depending on the level of the reactor and / or Supply quantity of the starting material or the quantity produced flammable gas mixture, etc. adjust. These measures are for the gasification or the transformations in the reactor of Advantage, so that high quality flammable Gas mixture can be generated.

If necessary, the supply of the starting material can be almost automatically by sliding or sliding on one Sliding element or the like take place. In a advantageous embodiment of the invention comprises Feed unit at least one transport device for Transporting the starting material from the storage device in the reactor. With this measure, an active, in particular, the exact amount to be metered or regulated Starting material or wood can be realized in the reactor.  

The transport device advantageously has one at least partially ascending or ascending in the vertical direction oblique transport direction of the starting material. In the transport device is preferably as in Direction of the reactor ascending, in particular formed channel or tubular transport device. This opens up particularly in the case of these variants of the invention upper end of the transport device in or on the reactor and a lower end or a lower area of the Transport device is essentially vertical Direction located below the storage device. hereby is largely by automatically moving the Starting material from the storage device an almost automatic loading of the transport device and by means of that of the reactor can be realized.

In addition, these variants can be a disadvantage Penetration of relatively hot tar gases into the storage device and further to the mechanically movable and largely gas-tight closing closure element of the device additionally this prevents comparatively hot gases rise to the top of the reactor and therefore not by the declining one viewed in the direction away from the reactor or descending transport device flow. It can also in particular the lumpy wood or the like in the transport device as a filter for condensable Components of the reactor atmosphere work.

The storage device advantageously has Clearing element for clearing or feeding the starting material Transport device or to the reactor. This will in advantageously prevents, if necessary, relative bulky wood or the like in the storage device can get caught or clog them and thus move up  the starting material to the reactor is interrupted or is affected.

The storage device is essentially to the side arranged in the reactor, so that a comparatively compact Device according to the invention with a relatively low height is feasible. If necessary, the device according to of the invention can be integrated into a unit that preferably with thermal insulation or the like is formed, whereby an advantageous Integration of thermal energy can take place.

The transport device may have one vertically ascending section and / or both in Area of the reactor ascending section as well descending section in the area of the storage device on. If necessary, in the latter variant in the resulting depression or at an in Direction of transport considered largely steadily ascending Transport device condensed in the almost lowest area Liquids are derived.

If necessary, the transport device includes a Transport and / or vibrating belt. In an advantageous Variant of the invention includes the transport device at least one spiral transport element. For example, a so-called worm drive for the Transport device can be provided. The casing of the Worm drive is in particular as a U-shaped tubular element trained so that generally in the vertical direction looks at the caves above for relatively bulky, for example Starting materials such as lumpy wood or the like are available are. With these measures, jamming or The like of the worm drive largely prevented. Basically, the worm drive or Transport device on a comparatively large game,  whereby largely stuck or the like prevented can be.

The lower region of the Storage device, so that advantageous emptying is feasible. In a special training of Invention is the outlet opening of the storage device smaller than the cross section of the transport device and / or is the slope of the spiral transport element customized. This will regulate the transporting amount of starting material improves what under other to an advantageous, if necessary to be provided Carry out heat treatment in the area of the transport device can. In addition, jamming of the starting material in the Area of the outlet opening of the storage device effectively prevented. A slide or is also conceivable the like for closing the outlet opening of the Storage device, which the penetration of "false air" when Feeding could also reduce. In this case the storage device is designed as a lock.

The feed unit advantageously includes a Distribution element for largely even distribution of the Starting material almost over the entire cross section of the Oxidation zone of the reactor. Especially when using is a spiral transport element Distribution element, for example, as in the direction of transport tapering element arranged under the transport element educated.

In a special development of the invention, the Supply unit at least one heating device for heating of the starting material. This enables the relative to the starting material to be fed to the reactor, if appropriate can be fed warm and / or dry to the reactor. If necessary, it can also be comparatively moist  Starting material or damp wood of the device according to the Invention or the storage device are fed for example wood with relatively high humidity and / or partially wet sewage sludge or the like. Here is to provide a raw material in which the moisture is such that comparatively little or almost no water in the area the transport device and / or the storage device accrues.

Basically, all conceivable heating devices applicable, e.g. B. by means of electrical, chemical energy, in particular by means of combustion, and / or supplying a relatively hot heating medium. This will be more advantageous Way the starting material is heated or dried in such a way that he prepared for the subsequent gasification in the reactor becomes.

The heating device advantageously has at least one first heat exchanger element for cooling the gas mixture on. This advantageously enables heating the feed unit and additionally a cooling of the flammable gas mixture. This allows one of the device according to the invention, optionally downstream gas engine or the like relatively cold gas mixture, especially without comparatively large buffer unit, almost immediately made available. A relative cold gas mixture advantageously improves the Combustion in the gas engine, making a higher one Overall efficiency of the entire system can be achieved.

In a preferred variant of the invention, the Heater at least one other, second Heat exchanger element with a heating fluid. Basically can the so-called second understandably without it named first heat exchanger element alone as Heater can be used. With this  Heat exchanger element can, if necessary, in particular relatively strong heating of the starting material in the area of Feed unit can be realized what the gasification in the reactor can also improve. The heating fluid can be in advantageously exhaust gas of the gas engine or downstream the like can be used. The exhaust gas can possibly have several hundred degrees Celsius. It is conceivable that the Starting material is heated so far that it is already in the The area of the feed unit is partially oxidized, which is possibly positive for the implementation of the starting material can affect in the reactor. In this variant of the invention is the feed unit or transport device at least partially designed as a pre-reactor.

The heating device is preferably at least in the region arranged the transport device. This will especially the one to be fed to the reactor in the foreseeable future Starting material can be heated with the help of the heating device, resulting in lead to an advantageous reduction in heat loss can.

In general, the device according to the invention is largely included encased at least one thermal insulation device, so that thermal losses are largely prevented can. This enables advantageous thermal management of the entire device according to the invention, whereby the gasification of the starting material can be advantageously implemented. in the In general, the reactor has an operating temperature of approx. 800 ° C. This ensures both an advantageous Oxidation as well as reduction in the corresponding zones of the Reactor.

Basically, the reduction zone of the reactor has one Operating temperature, which in addition to a reduction of Carbon dioxide and / or the like, especially one Conversion of dust or generated in the oxidation zone  the like. With this measure in particular the quality of the gas mixture to be generated for the Application or combustion in a gas engine additionally improved.

In addition, by arranging the heater a relatively large amount of heat in the area of the transport device area transferred in relation to the amount to be heated of the starting material can be realized, which causes the heating of the starting material to be fed to the reactor is advantageous can be realized. Furthermore, this can also be a comparatively long-lasting warming, especially with one relatively long or stretched version of the transport device, are implemented, for example, the Drying of the raw material, especially wood, is improved. Relatively long transport devices allow, for example, an advantageous adaptation to spatial framework of the installation site or Space for the device according to the invention.

Under certain operating conditions, preferably an adjustment, especially the temperature conditions in the Feed unit, to the operating conditions of the device according to the invention or provided in the reactor be such. B. loading, starting phase, type of wood, reactor and / or air temperature, etc.

If necessary, one or more cleaning stages or devices between the gas engine and the device can be arranged according to the invention, for example Gravitational separators, inertial cleaners such as B. Centrifugal separator or cyclone or baffle plate cleaner, Wet scrubber, oil bath, gravel or sand bed, electrical, Adsorption filter such. B. tissue, cork, activated carbon or Ceramic filters, catalytically active cleaning elements, etc.  

The cleaning device is preferably regenerable educated. For example, a so-called afterburn of gravel bed filters or the like, so that these can be used and almost exclusively "white" ash as waste.

Alternatively or in combination, for example Correspondingly contaminated oil in an oil bath filter Storage device of the feed unit are introduced, so that on the one hand uses its energy and on the other hand that Amount of waste is reduced.

Advantageously, at least two, in particular cleaning devices or filters operated at different times intended. For example, a filter regenerated, cleaned or afterburned while a additional filter is operated in the filter phase.

In general, a wide variety of sensors can be used in the Device according to the invention, especially in the reactor, be used. Especially sensors for measuring Temperatures, moisture contents, weights, types of Starting material, individual or multiple gas components, Pressures, optical parameters such as permeability, Filling levels or fill levels or the like. This Sensors act in particular with a corresponding one Evaluation and / or control unit for largely automatic Operation of the device according to the invention together.

In a special development of the invention is in the upper Area of the reactor at least one condensation element Take up condensable substances or mixtures of substances arranged. There are preferably two condensation elements provided, especially with a condensation element Tar gas condenses as tar in a special operating case and in particular also removed or into the reaction zones  is returned, for example in the approx. 800 ° C hot Ember area of the reactor for combustion and / or from the Reactor out. In particular the second condensation element is for the condensation of water vapor or the like provided so that, above all, relative unpolluted water advantageously from the reactor can be dissipated.

An air supply device advantageously has Supplying air to the oxidation zone at least one Heating unit for heating the air to be supplied. This is an advantageous preheating of the reactor supply air can be realized. This improves the Gasification of the raw material or wood and increased additionally the quality of the flammable gas mixture.

In general, in addition to the air humidity, the Oxygen in the air crucial for gasification, so that in a special variant of the invention also almost pure oxygen can be fed to the reactor. A humidification unit may also be used for control or humidification and / or dehumidification of the air to be supplied provided.

The heating unit is preferably used as a heat exchanger element Heat exchange of the air to be supplied with the reactor educated. Advantageously, the Air supply device substantially along the Reactor circumference arranged. With the help of these measures is a extensive energy management of the device according to the Invention realizable. Especially when gasifying Wood, the temperature in the reactor is more critical Meaning, so by means of an extensive Energy management a particularly advantageous gasification is made possible.  

In a preferred variant of the invention Air supply device at least in the upper region of the Oxidation zone arranged. This ensures that the relatively hot top of the reactor, i.e. H. in the area the oxidation zone, for the relatively hot preheating of the air or the like can be used. This will make the Implementation of the starting material also improves what a particularly high quality of the flammable gas mixture leads.

The reactor advantageously has at least in the region the feed unit has a smaller diameter and / or Cross section than in the area of the air supply device. With this measure will jam or catch the lumpy starting material with the air supply device effectively prevented. This will result in the risk of hollow fires additionally prevented.

In addition, this measure enables the Starting material in the area of the air supply device more Filling volume or falling apart and thus more or has larger gaps. This allows the air or the oxygen the raw material or the wood oxidize advantageously.

Basically, at least during an advantageous manner the feeding phase air, oxygen, carbon dioxide or the like in particular by the air supply device by means of a pressure generating unit, e.g. B. blower, pump, etc., are introduced into the reactor. Here will preferably realized a pressure equalization in the reactor, so that the "wrong air supply" and thus the danger of hollow fire is further reduced.

Preferably in a device according to the preamble of claim 1 an at least partially movable  Grate element for removing coal dust, ash and / or the like provided from the reactor. By means of this Measure can be coal dust and / or possibly accruing Ash separated from the coal or the reduction zone and / or be dissipated. Generally, the grate element has Openings such as slots or the like.

The grate element advantageously has at least one Edge area in the vertical direction. This measure essentially avoids the accumulation of Material in the central area of the grate element through the Shake. In addition, this will separate the Coal dust, the ashes or the like from the Reduction zone especially towards the mantle area of the lower one Section of the reactor allows so that the ashes or The like comparatively easily manually from the reactor and / or can be done largely automatically.

In a special development of the invention Grate element as collecting element, in particular filter element or sieve or the like, for holding back the Intermediate trained. Preferably that is Collection element designed such that it follows the reactor largely closes below and / or laterally. For example is the grate element as an almost closed element or Cage, basket or the like around the bottom of the Reactor or the reduction zone arranged around. hereby can almost no intermediate or coal from the The reactor escapes and ash or the like is also out removable from the reactor. Preferably the ash or The like sucked out of the reactor area, in particular with the help of the gas mixture or gas engine.

A gas mixture removal opening is advantageously in the arranged at the bottom or bottom of the reactor, so that accumulating ash or the like advantageously from the reactor  is removable. This measure in particular a largely automatic removal of ashes or the like realized so that the automatic Operation of the device according to the invention further is improved.

The grate element preferably has a surface-enlarging effect Areas, structures or elements, so that among other things the gas flowing through the reactor is relatively long Dwell time or reaction time in this and thus the generation of the combustible gas mixture is improved.

Furthermore, the gas resistance with this measure is reduced, which in particular the Engine fill level increases and thus the gas engine advantageous is to be operated.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention Height-adjustable grate element or in the longitudinal direction of the Reactor adjustable. Above all, this can the amount of material or the volume of the reduction zone and / or the residence time of the reaction gas in the Reduction zone can be changed or regulated. possibly foreign material such as stones, etc. accumulates in the reactor, so that by means of the aforementioned measure, the volume or Amount of intermediate product adjustable in the reduction zone is. This additionally improves the generation of the combustible Gas mixture.

In addition, can be trained with an appropriate Rust element a removal of the foreign material from the reactor can be realized comparatively easily.

Basically, especially when using lumpy Softwood and / or deciduous wood such as wood chips or the like, using the device according to the invention a reactor  can be realized with an approximately constant Level, a largely constant amount of coal in the reduction zone, a glowing, relatively hot, e.g. B. approx. 800 ° C, coal in the reduction zone, almost none Wastes, except where appropriate for relatively small quantities Coal dust, generally no so-called hollow burning or Burn through and above all largely no tar or Has tar gas. The coal dust becomes in the oxidation zone advantageously fed back so that a largely waste-free operation of the device according to the Invention is possible.

At the same time, cleaning and removal is relatively frequent of tar on the closure element is not necessary, as this cold area of the device is arranged or not Tar is affected. In addition, an automatic Feeding the device according to the invention provided become. In general, you can also load manually.

embodiment

An embodiment of the invention is in the drawing shown and will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures explained.

In detail shows:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention,

Fig. 2 shows a schematic detail of a further device according to the invention,

Fig. 3 is a schematic detail of a feed of the starting material and

Fig. 4 is a schematic detail of a memory device.

In Fig. 1, a reactor 1, a supply unit 2, and only a section is a storage silo 3 is shown.

As a starting material, for example, wood chips from waste or residual wood are stored in the storage silo 3 in a manner not shown. The storage silo 3 comprises a storage volume that is many times larger than a volume of a storage device 4 of the supply unit 2 . The comparatively large volume of the silo 3 enables wood chips to be stored for a relatively long operating time of the device according to the invention, such as e.g. B. one or more weeks or months.

The wood in the silo 3 is preferably predried by means of heat, in particular waste heat from the reactor 1 . The silo 3 is optionally designed as an open silo 3 , storage space with a loading device for loading the device according to the invention or the like. The storage device 4 has, for example, a volume which is sufficient to operate the reactor 1 for approximately several hours or approximately one day without opening a nearly gas-tight flap 6 or without loading from the silo 3 . The gas-tight closure of the storage device 4 can alternatively also be implemented by means of a slide or the like.

The wood chips are fed to the device according to the invention by means of a screw feed 5 . The flap 6 , which closes largely gas-tight, is opened for loading. The loading phase can take several minutes, in particular until the storage device 4 is largely filled and the flap 6 can be closed again in an almost gas-tight manner.

A fill level sensor 22 may determine the fill level of the storage device 4 , e.g. B. a full-wing detector, ultrasonic sensor or the like. The flap 6 is preferably to be actuated hydraulically, pneumatically, mechanically and / or electrically, a flap 6 which can be actuated and actuated largely automatically being advantageous.

The wood chips are transported or fed from the storage device 4 into the reactor 1 by means of a worm drive 7 . An electric motor 8 is advantageously provided for this.

On the worm drive 7 , both a heat exchanger for cooling the combustible gas mixture generated and a heat exchanger for heat recovery of the heat contained in an exhaust gas stream of the gas engine, not shown, are arranged in a manner not shown. The two heat exchangers are preferably arranged as half-shell-like elements arranged around the worm drive and / or as tubular elements around the worm drive 7 . Here, among other things, a multi-stage heating of the wood chips in the area of the worm drive 7 with different temperature levels can be realized in an advantageous manner.

The combustible gas mixture produced by the reactor 1 is discharged from the reactor 1 through a gas port 9 to a not-shown gas engine, wherein the gas mixture is generally pre-purified by means of a cyclone, filter, and mixed by means of an air mixer with air. If necessary, the worm drive 7 can additionally have electrical heating of the worm element. Already in the area of the worm drive 7 , the wood chips are partially pre-dried and preheated under certain operating conditions.

The reactor 1 comprises in particular an oxidation zone 10 and a reduction zone 11 , a firebrick wall 12 being provided as a constriction 12 in the transition area of the two zones 10 and 11 . In general, glowing or oxidizing wood chips 10 with substoichiometric combustion and largely below the constriction glowing coal 11 are provided according to the invention largely above the firebrick wall 12 during the operation of the reactor 1 . An approx. 10 to 20 cm thick non-glowing wood chip layer covering the glowing wood chips is formed on the glowing wood chips, which in particular thermally insulates the glowing zone 10 and at the same time is provided as a drying zone or heating zone for the wood chips.

To determine the fill level of the wood chips, the reactor 1 has a fill level indicator 15 , which is shown folded upward according to FIG. 1 or 2. As a mechanical sensor 15, this can detect the filling level of the reactor 1 and actuate an electrical switching element at a predetermined filling level, so that 7 chips are fed to the reactor 1 by means of the worm drive 7 . Both a phased and almost continuous feeding of wood chips can be realized.

The oxygen supply to the reactor or to the oxidation zone 10 takes place in particular by means of several, e.g. B. approximately five air nozzles 16 . The use of individual air nozzles 16 has the advantage that the air flowing through them can be used for advantageous cooling of the air nozzles 16 , as a result of which a possibly complex cooling of the nozzles 16 and / or relatively low heat-resistant materials can be provided for the air nozzles 16 .

The air to be fed to the reactor 1 flows through a heat exchanger 18 , which is preferably arranged in the region of the relatively hot oxidation zone 10 and / or in the circumferential direction largely completely in the jacket region of the reactor 1 . The air supply also comprises an advantageous air ring 17 , which enables an almost uniform or evenly heated supply of the air by means of all radially arranged air nozzles 16 to the oxidation zone 10 . The heat exchanger 18 is additionally preheated by the outflowing gas mixture. These measures lead to advantageous gasification in the reactor 1 . No heat exchanger 18 is provided in FIG. 2.

To ignite or burn the wood chips in the reactor 1 , a largely gas-tight lockable ignition hole 13 is provided. The reactor 1 has a so-called sniffer flap 14, especially for supplying the outside air to the air rings 17 and 18 .

A condensation element 24 enables condensation of tar and a condensation element 23 enables condensation of water in the upper region of reactor 1 , so that an advantageous separation of tar and water takes place and the tar is returned to reaction zones 10 and 11 in a manner not shown can be. The water is preferably discharged from the reactor 1 .

With the help of a vibrating grate 19 , coal dust and possibly accumulated ash can be separated from the coal of the reduction zone 11 and passed on to an ash box 20 or the like. For this purpose, the vibrating grate 19 can be moved by means of a vibrating device 21 .

In Fig. 2 is a detail of a further device is shown according to the invention. The reactor 1 has, in particular designed as a baffle plate 15 and filling lug 15 sensor 15 °.

The reactor 1 according to FIG. 2 also has a smaller diameter in the area of the feed unit 2 than in the area of the air nozzles 16 , so that introduced lumpy wood or the like cannot get caught and that this is loose, with relatively large gaps in the oxidation zone 10 . As a result, the oxidation of the starting material is improved or hollow burning of the reactor 1 is avoided.

Furthermore, a grate element 19 designed as a grate basket 19 is provided. The grate basket 19 encloses the fireclay wall 12 almost completely, so that generally no coal gets into the ash box 20 . With the help of an ash tray 22 and the gas connection 9 arranged under the reduction zone 11 , the ash produced is removed from the reactor 1 and then separated from the gas mixture by means of a filter. As a result, there is no need to open the reactor 1 to remove the ashes, so that penetration of "false air" is effectively counteracted.

In addition, the vibrating grate 19 has an elevation 24 in the central region of the axis of rotation, so that accumulation of material by rotation or shaking in the region of the axis of rotation is prevented.

In Fig. 3, the feed of the starting material is shown in more detail in plan view. The shape of a bottom plate 25 of the screw feed 2 above the oxidation zone 10 becomes clear. Due to the advantageous shape of the bottom plate 25 , for example, wood chips with / without sawdust can be fed to the reactor 1 , a largely uniform distribution of the wood chips with / without sawdust being achieved. This in turn improves the oxidation conditions in reactor 1 .

In general, the reactor 1 can have both a round, elliptical, rectangular, star-shaped or similar cross section, or a cross section having ribs or branches or the like, in particular in the region of the air nozzles 16 . As a result, a comparatively powerful or large-sized reactor 1 can be implemented without disadvantageous oxidation.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the lower area of the storage device 4 with a scraper 25 and an outlet opening 26 . By the scraper 25, the smaller compared to the diameter of the auger 7 Opening and 26, moreover, the screw pitch is adjusted, it is realized an advantageous regulation of the transported to the reactor 1 Hackgutmenge, improving inter alia the predrying of the starting material in the area of the transport device. 7

Furthermore, jamming of wood chips in the area of the opening 26 is effectively prevented. A closure element is conceivable for closing the opening 26 while the storage device 4 is being loaded .

In general, the device according to the invention can largely realized with relatively ordinary steel or the like be, which in addition to a comparatively good Thermal conductivity of the material used, the has a beneficial effect on the gasification, also one economically favorable production is possible.

Basically, the device according to the invention can Fuel production for a gas engine, especially one  Vehicle, cogeneration, electrical power generation, or the like can be used. For this is special a corresponding system with a device according to the Invention together with a gas engine and optionally to provide an electric generator.

Generally, the reactor can have two or more feed units exhibit. This enables a separate supply of various raw materials such as sawdust, wood chips, Straw, sewage sludge or the like to the reactor, creating a advantageous mixing of the starting materials in the reactor is feasible. A possible, disadvantageous segregation of the This can prevent raw materials. alternative or in combination this can also be a feed different starting materials in one Feed device or storage device realized become.

In addition, the device according to the invention for Fuel production of a fuel cell can be used d. H. in the sense of the invention is the generator or Internal combustion engine designed as a fuel cell. For example, the hydrogen, the methane or the like of the fuel gas or wood gas in corresponding Fuel cells for the generation of electrical energy be provided.

Generally, they can be used in particular for implementation comparatively powerful or large units several or numerous devices according to the invention modularly coupled and operated. If necessary, one or more gas engines can be used and / or electrical generators are provided. At the Failure of a module can result in an advantageous manner other module at least partially compensate for the failure.

Claims (17)

1. Device for producing a combustible gas mixture from a carbon-containing starting material, in particular from lumpy wood, with a supply unit ( 2 ) for supplying the starting material to a reactor ( 1 ), the reactor ( 1 ) having at least one oxidation zone ( 10 ) for oxidizing the Starting material and a reduction zone ( 11 ) for reducing at least one intermediate product of the oxidation, characterized in that the feed unit ( 2 ) is arranged horizontally on the side of the reactor ( 1 ) and the feed unit ( 2 ) at least one storage device ( 4 ) for intermediate storage of the starting material. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage device ( 4 ) is arranged between a feed opening of the reactor ( 1 ) and a closure element ( 6 ) of the feed unit ( 2 ) for opening or closing the device. 3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one level sensor ( 15 ) is provided for measuring the degree of filling or the level of the reactor ( 1 ). 4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the level sensor ( 15 ) is at least partially designed as a mechanically scanning level sensor ( 15 ). 5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed unit ( 2 ) comprises at least one transport device ( 7 ) for transporting the starting material from the storage device ( 4 ) into the reactor ( 1 ). 6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device ( 7 ) has an at least partially ascending vertical direction of transport of the starting material. 7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed unit ( 2 ) has at least one heating device for heating the starting material. 8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating device is arranged at least in the region of the transport device ( 7 ). 9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an air supply device ( 16 , 17 , 18 ) is arranged substantially along the circumference of the reactor. 10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reactor ( 1 ) at least in the area of the feed unit ( 2 ) has a smaller diameter and / or cross section than in the area of the air supply device ( 16 , 17 , 18 ). 11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an at least partially movable grate element ( 19 ) is provided for removing coal dust and / or ash from the reactor ( 1 ). 12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grate element ( 19 ) has at least one section sloping towards the edge region in the vertical direction. 13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grate element ( 19 ) is designed as a collecting element for retaining the intermediate product. 14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grate element ( 19 ) is adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the reactor ( 1 ). 15. Plant for generating electrical energy and / or Thermal energy with a device for generating a flammable gas mixture from at least one carbon-containing raw material, an internal combustion engine for burning the gas mixture and / or a generator Generation of electrical energy, characterized in that the device according to one of the preceding claims is trained. 16. Process for producing a combustible gas mixture from at least one carbon-containing starting material a device for generating the combustible gas mixture from the carbon-containing starting material, thereby characterized in that the device according to one of the aforementioned claims is used. 17. Process for generating electrical energy and / or thermal energy with a plant for generation electrical energy and / or thermal energy, thereby characterized in that the system used according to claim 15 becomes.